{"product_id":"bluelab-soil-ph-pen","title":"Soil pH Pen by Bluelab — Direct-Reading Soil \u0026 Media pH Meter","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eThe Bluelab Soil pH Pen reads pH and temperature directly in soil, coco, potting mix and other growing media — push the probe into the root zone and read the number, no slurry mixing required. The integrated storage cap doubles as a dibber that makes a safe pathway for the glass probe, and the pen is fully waterproof with automatic temperature compensation. It measures nutrient solutions too, making it the one pH tool a soil grower actually needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eReads Directly in Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eMeasures pH and temperature straight in the root zone of soil, coco and media — no messy slurries or sample jars needed for a spot check.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eDibber-Protected Probe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eThe storage cap doubles as a dibber — press it in first to create a pathway, then insert the probe. Protects the fragile glass every measurement.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eFully Waterproof\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eWaterproof, not just water resistant — built for wet media, greenhouse work and the knocks of everyday growing.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eSolutions Too\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eAlso measures nutrient solutions and soil slurries with ±0.1 pH accuracy and automatic temperature compensation — one pen for pot and reservoir.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 0.5rem 2rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasures:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH and temperature, directly in soils\/media and in solution\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.0 – 14.0 pH\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccuracy:\u003c\/strong\u003e ±0.1 pH, ±1°C at 25°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.1 pH \/ 1°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 – 50°C (°C or °F, automatic temperature compensation)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalibration:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2-point (pH 7.0 + 4.0 or 10.0) with 30-day reminder; 3-point possible\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaterproof:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully waterproof\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/strong\u003e Backlit LCD with hold-reading function\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Cap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated cap\/dibber, holds KCl storage solution\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 x AAA alkaline battery, approx. 350 hours, auto-off\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-year limited warranty\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade In:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Zealand\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #fff8e1; border-left: 4px solid #f9a825; padding: 1rem 1.3rem; border-radius: 6px; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eGrow Guys Tip — Loosen the Cap, Always\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 1.2rem; padding: 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways twist the storage cap loose before pulling it off or pushing it on — pulling it straight off breaks the glass probe. Check for the gap between cap and dibber first, every time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf it dries, it dies. Keep the probe tip covered in KCl storage solution inside the cap at all times, and check the level monthly in long-term storage. A dried-out probe needs a 24-hour KCl re-soak and may already be permanently damaged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever store, soak or rinse the probe in RO, distilled or deionised water — pure water changes the reference chemistry and kills the probe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean the glassware monthly and before every calibration with Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner or mild detergent and a soft toothbrush — a dirty probe won't calibrate accurately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eHow to Use — First Use Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck hydration.\u003c\/strong\u003e Stand the pen upright and check the probe tip is covered by KCl storage solution inside the cap. If it isn't, top up the KCl in the cap and stand the pen upright for 24 hours before use — the bulb must be hydrated to calibrate correctly.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalibrate — always pH 7.0 first.\u003c\/strong\u003e Twist the cap loose and remove it, rinse the tip in fresh tap water, place it in pH 7.0 solution and long-press CAL until the display flashes. When \"CAL 7\" shows, rinse and repeat in pH 4.0 (or 10.0 if you measure above 7). The check mark confirms a completed 2-point calibration.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDib first, then probe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear the top layer of soil, press the cap\/dibber into the sample up to the \"soil\" mark, remove it, then insert the probe gently into the hole it made. Never make the hole with the probe itself, and never apply sideways pressure.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead and repeat.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wait for the reading to settle, short-press the power button to hold it if needed, and rinse the tip in fresh running water between every measurement. For field testing, average readings from several spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStore wet.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse the probe, make sure the cap holds enough KCl to cover the tip, then slide the loosened cap on and twist to tighten.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ph-control-calibration-ph-ec\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eCalibration \u0026amp; pH Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003epH 7.0 and 4.0 sachets plus KCl storage solution — the pen needs both to stay accurate and hydrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/organic-gardening\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eOrganic Gardening\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003eLiving-soil inputs, organic fertilisers and amendments — dial in the root zone the pen is reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bluelab-1\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eMore From Bluelab\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003eProbes, monitors and meters from the New Zealand brand growers have relied on for over 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eDoes it measure soil pH directly, without a slurry?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eYes. The probe reads pH and temperature directly in moist soil, coco and other media — use the cap\/dibber to make the pathway first. It can also measure a prepared soil slurry or nutrient solution when you want a bench-style reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eCan it measure nutrient solutions as well as soil?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eYes. It works in nutrient solutions, reservoirs and soil solutions as well as directly in media, so it covers both the pot and the res.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eDo I need to soak the probe before first use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eYes — check it first. The tip ships stored in KCl solution inside the cap; if the tip isn't covered, top up the KCl and stand the pen upright for 24 hours before calibrating. A dehydrated probe drifts, reads stuck near pH 7 and can be permanently damaged. Never use RO, distilled or deionised water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eCan I use it in dry soil?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eNo — the sample needs moisture for a reliable reading. For dry samples, Bluelab recommends moistening with RO or distilled water and ideally waiting 24 hours before measuring (tap water shifts the reading with its own pH). Note that's for the soil sample only — never put RO or distilled water on the probe itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eWhat pH should my soil be?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eBluelab's recommended range for soil-grown crops is 6.2 – 7.2 pH (plant specific), versus 5.5 – 6.3 for solution growing. Outside the right range, nutrients lock up and plants can't access them no matter how well you feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eIs the probe replaceable?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eNo. The Soil pH Pen has a fixed probe — when the glassware ages beyond calibration, the unit is replaced. Good care stretches its life considerably: keep the tip wet in KCl, clean monthly, use the dibber every time and never force the cap.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eHow often should I calibrate it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eThe pen tracks it for you — the calibration check mark disappears 30 days after your last successful calibration. Also recalibrate after every clean, after a battery change, or whenever a reading looks off. Always pH 7.0 first, then 4.0 or 10.0.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #1c3a1c; color: #fff; padding: 2rem; border-radius: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #fff !important; margin: 0 0 0.5rem; font-size: 1.3rem;\"\u003eKnow Your Root Zone.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #aed1ae !important; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003eSoil pH straight from the pot, no slurry required — shipped fast Australia-wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap;\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton id=\"btn-add-to-cart\" style=\"background: #b67317 !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 0.85rem 2rem !important; border: none !important; border-radius: 6px !important; font-size: 1rem !important; font-weight: 700 !important; cursor: pointer !important;\"\u003eAdd to Cart\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/meters-pens-ph-ec-testing\" style=\"background: transparent !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 0.85rem 2rem !important; border: 2px solid #fff !important; border-radius: 6px !important; font-size: 1rem !important; font-weight: 600 !important; text-decoration: none !important; display: inline-block !important;\"\u003eShop All Meters\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript\u003e\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  var btn = document.getElementById('btn-add-to-cart');\n  if (!btn) return;\n  btn.addEventListener('click', function() {\n    fetch('\/cart\/add.js', {\n      method: 'POST',\n      headers: {'Content-Type': 'application\/json'},\n      body: JSON.stringify({id: parseInt('52066827501866', 10), quantity: 1})\n    }).then(function(response) {\n      return response.json();\n    }).then(function(data) {\n      if (data.status \u0026\u0026 data.status !== 200) { throw new Error(data.description); }\n      btn.textContent = 'Added to Cart';\n      btn.style.background = '#2e5e2e';\n      setTimeout(function() {\n        btn.textContent = 'Add to Cart';\n        btn.style.background = '#b67317';\n      }, 2000);\n    }).catch(function() {\n      btn.textContent = 'Error — Try Again';\n      btn.style.background = '#c0392b';\n      setTimeout(function() {\n        btn.textContent = 'Add to Cart';\n        btn.style.background = '#b67317';\n      }, 2500);\n    });\n  });\n});\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bluelab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52066827501866,"sku":"BL-MTR-PHPEN-SOIL","price":299.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0847\/1573\/3290\/files\/BL_Image-Product_Front-PNG_PENSOILPH.png?v=1783733449","url":"https:\/\/www.thegrowguys.com.au\/products\/bluelab-soil-ph-pen","provider":"The Grow Guys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}